Department for the Economy - Northern Ireland Government

15/11/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 15/11/2024 00:56

Murphy encourages applications to second Assured Skills Academy in Robotics and Automation

Economy Minister Conor Murphy has welcomed the second in a series of three Collaborative Assured Skills Academies in Robotics and Automation to be delivered by South West College (SWC).

Opportunity for 12 individuals on Assured Skills Academy in Robotics and Automation

Funded by the Department for the Economy, SWC is offering an opportunity for 12 individuals to receive industry advised Robotics and Automation training that will provide them with the skills to take up potential Robotics and Automation roles with companies in Dungannon and the surrounding area.

Encouraging all who are interested and eligible to apply the Minister said: "People with skills in Robotics and Automation are in high demand in our local engineering and manufacturing sector as demonstrated by the number of local companies supporting this Academy.

"This is an excellent opportunity for people to obtain the skills they need, through an industry-recognised qualification, and position them very strongly to kick-start a new career in a much sought after occupation.

"With no previous experience required and a £52.50 weekly training allowance for the duration of the Academy, as well as help with travel and childcare costs I would urge anyone who is interested to apply."

Celine McCartan, SWC Principal and Chief Executive, said: "We are thrilled to announce the launch of our second Assured Skills Academy, dedicated to advancing Industry 4.0 expertise. This academy will empower aspiring professionals with advanced skills in robotics, automation, data analytics, cyber security, and smart manufacturing-areas essential to today's tech-driven economy.

"Through close collaboration with local industry partners, we've designed a curriculum that meets the evolving demands of our regional workforce. Participants will benefit from immersive, hands-on training with the latest industrial technologies, preparing them for rewarding careers that bolster both innovation and productivity. This initiative underscores our commitment to driving economic growth and expanding opportunities for the community in the age of digital transformation."

Successful participants will attend a 14-week part time intensive training course delivered by SWC at their dedicated training facility in Dungannon where they will study ETCAL Level 2 Preparing and Using Industrial Robots and Level 2 Assembling and Testing Fluid Systems.

Following completion of the training, participants will be guaranteed an interview to take up a Robotics and Automation position at one of the supporting companies.

The part time Academy will be delivered between Monday 6 January and Friday 11 April 2025. Training will be delivered on Monday and Wednesday evenings between 6.00pm and 9.00pm, and Friday afternoons 2.00pm to 5.30pm.

More information on eligibility and details on how to apply can be found at the Part-time Robotics and Automation Academy page of the nidirect website.

The online application form must be completed by 12.00 noon on Friday 6 December 2024.

All applicants must be at least 18 years old by Monday 6 January 2025 and eligible to work in the UK at the time of application. By applying for a place on this pre-employment training programme, participants are committing to pursuing a job opportunity with one of the employers supporting this Academy.

For further information please email your enquiry to [email protected]

Notes to editors:

1. The supporting companies are:

  • AIC - Armagh
  • Axon - Dungannon
  • BMI - Dungannon
  • BSK - Dungannon
  • Grenier - Dungannon
  • Keystone Lintels - Cookstown
  • Mannock - Derrylin
  • Mallaghan - Dungannon
  • RM - Dungannon
  • SFM - Keady
  • Specdrum - Dungannon
  • Strickland - Dungannon

2. Assured Skills is a pre-employment training programme run by the Department for the Economy. More information is available on the Department's Assured Skills Programme page.

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4. For media enquiries contact the Department for the Economy Press Office at [email protected] .

5. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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